Davis was a three-year letterman from 1978-80, playing for coaches Monte Little and Hal Baird. As a senior in 1980 he led the Pirates in all three triple crown categories: batting average (.362), home runs (12) and RBI (27), while leading his team to an NCAA regional appearance. He graduated as the school's all-time leader in home runs (26) and total bases (250), and he stills owns the ECU career record for triples with 10. After completing his collegiate career, he played part of eight seasons for five Major League teams including the Kansas City Royals which selected him the 11th round of the 1980 MLB Draft.